The Path of Tea

My name is Janice (Jan), though in the tea room, I am known as 雪眞 (Sesshin).

Tea has always been more than a beverage for me. It is a way to connect, to reflect, and to inhabit the present moment. What began as a personal curiosity evolved into a lifelong study of Japanese tea culture, a journey that has taken me from the tea farms of Japan to the quiet discipline of the tea room.

A Bridge Between Traditions

I see my practice as a bridge between the deep history of tea and the rhythm of modern life. I currently study the Way of Tea (Chanoyu) with the Urasenke School and the Way of Sencha (Senchadō) with Oubaku-Baisa Ryu.

In 2025, I was honoured to receive the title of Junshihan (準師範, associate professor) from the Oubaku-Baisa Ryu. This appointment has deepened my commitment to preserving and sharing these traditions. That same year, I served as an Artist-in-Residence at the UBC Museum of Anthropology, leading sensory tea sessions that explored how material culture and quiet listening connect people to living traditions.

Community and Education

While much of my practice is solitary and reflective, tea is ultimately a shared language. This belief guides my work and educational outreach in the community:

• Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre: Teaching the Japanese Tea Workshop series as part of the cultural programming in Burnaby.
• Global Japanese Tea Association: Serving as the Western Canada representative, connecting local tea lovers with producers in Japan through education and advocacy.
• Teakan: Co-founding a boutique tea company dedicated to exploring unique teas and the stories behind the leaves.
• Guest Speaking & Public Performances: Collaborating with organizations such as the Dōjin Japanese Arts Society and JigSpace as a tea professional, presenting lectures and conducting tea ceremonies.
• UBC Museum of Anthropology: Participating as a 2025 Artist-in-Residence alongside ceramicist Wei Cheng and calligrapher Su Jiangang, hosting tea sessions for the final showcase to bridge the connections discovered through research.

The Meaning of Chanoma

The name Jan’s Chanoma comes from the Japanese word chanoma (茶の間), which translates to "tea space." Traditionally, it is a place where family and friends gather to share tea and company.

I want this space, both here online and at my physical table, to embody that same spirit of warmth and unspoken discovery. Whether you are a longtime practitioner or simply looking for a moment of quiet, you are welcome here.

Let us brew something special together.

- 雪眞 Sesshin